Interesting Result of Lawn Repair

Started by JohnC46 • 13 replies • 737 views

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JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Our association dues include all landscaping and home shell maintenance. Two months ago we send lawn condition violation letters to 29 (of 112) home informing them their lawns did not meet our standards. We asked they re-sod and/or repair. 17 did within 30 days. We send a 2nd letter to the remaining 12 and up the threat to fines and possible liens. 11 more corrected the issue.

Tomorrow we will be sending fining letters ($25 per month) to the remaining 6 but giving them a grace period until 12/01 but they must re-sod. To late in the season to re-seed. I expect 3 or 4 will correct, leaving us with 2 that we will have go after. We believe we know which two already, but time will tell.

All in all, 23 of 29 correcting is a pretty good return.

We are patio homes so few lawns over 500sq feet and in SC one can sod year round. Those that re-sodded seem to be averaging $300 per lawn.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

Not of use for my HOA, but looks very helpful for others, John.

And it's a good reminder that IF your HOA may fine owners for violations, gentle courtesy letters really do get results and so do fines, if needed.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

So, let me get this straight. Your dues to the HOA cover FOH front of house landscaping and you received an out of compliance letter from the HOA ???

I would send a letter to the HOA and tell them to go fly a kite and tell the vendor to re-sod my lawn.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By LetA on 10/14/2018 8:43 PM
So, let me get this straight. Your dues to the HOA cover FOH front of house landscaping and you received an out of compliance letter from the HOA ???

I would send a letter to the HOA and tell them to go fly a kite and tell the vendor to re-sod my lawn.

The main cause of damage was owners not using their sprinkler system to water. When the adjoining lawns look good and yours does not, it is not a landscaping issue. It is something you did or failed to do.

SamE2 (New Jersey)
Posts: 310

Posted:

What does the HOA docs require the homeowner to do regarding landscaping? My thought would be the HOA should repair the landscaping and then fine/charge the homeowner if there is something the were required to do and did not do. This would keep the grass all the same type. Personally I would think watering the lawn is the HOAs responsibility since they are responsible for the lawn/landscape.

TimM11
Posts: 354

Posted:

John, does your HOA not own/control the sprinkler system (i.e. homeowners have to have their own)?

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Sam and Tim

The HOA is responsible for maintaining the sprinkler system. Each home has their own control box so they control watering frequency.

I believe we could sod and charge them but I believe those that will not repair as asked would not pay us and probably let it die again. Deadbeats are deadbeats.

TimM11
Posts: 354

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By JohnC46 on 10/15/2018 1:15 PM
Sam and Tim

The HOA is responsible for maintaining the sprinkler system. Each home has their own control box so they control watering frequency.

I believe we could sod and charge them but I believe those that will not repair as asked would not pay us and probably let it die again. Deadbeats are deadbeats.

Out of curiosity, what is the reasoning behind having homeowners control the watering frequency? In mine, the sprinkler system is controlled by our groundskeeping vendor. I guess I am not sure why this would be left up to the homeowners if the system is maintained by the HOA.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimM11 on 10/15/2018 2:13 PM

Yeah, I'd like to know because we pay for landscaping in out assessments and the landscapers set the watering clocks. The only time I turn the water off is when there is a frost warning.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

I think it has more to do with potable water conservation considering that many HOA's are getting their butts reamed for sending out lawn violation letters on brown lawns. More owners are choosing to xeriscape their front yards.

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By TimM11 on 10/15/2018 2:13 PM

We have a bit of an oddity. A private water company that buys water from another water company. Our water is horribly expensive. Our HOA water bill for 4 small common areas is $6,000.00. Typically home water bill runs about $70.00 per month MORE when watering the grass.

SteveM9 (Massachusetts)
Posts: 3,699

Posted:

Ever thought of drilling your own well for the common areas for a one time bill of $5,000 to $8,000?

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Or run a pipe to Lake Mead

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By SteveM9 on 10/15/2018 6:03 PM
Ever thought of drilling your own well for the common areas for a one time bill of $5,000 to $8,000?

Never have considered it but I agree, worth looking into as we use no potable (drinkable) water. Thanks.

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